Skid trainers test Airmens' skills, increase field safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Security forces personnel, maintenance personnel and missileers at Malmstrom Air Force Base drive anywhere from 24,000 to 64,000 miles a day, depending on weather conditions. With the youngest driving force in the Air Force, safety and training play key roles in the development of Malmstrom's Airmen and civilian employees alike.

While many things regarding how to drive safely and how to react in certain circumstances can be taught in the classroom, there is no substitution for hands-on learning. For Malmstrom's Airmen, this is where skid training comes into play.

Skid training is intended to teach drivers how to safely handle vehicles in various conditions. To do this, a platform known as a skid is attached to the undercarriage of a vehicle. Once attached, the skid can be manipulated via a control panel next to the passenger's seat, simulating any condition the instructor wishes.

"The biggest reason we put skids on our vehicles, especially our Humvees, is because of how often our security forces personnel and maintenance teams deploy out into the missile field," said Staff Sgt. Cody Berry, 341st Security Forces Group trainer. "In order for these teams to get to their destinations they must drive through a lot of different road conditions.

"Gravel roads, steep terrain and tight curves are just some of the things these Airmen face on a daily basis," he continued. "In the wintertime it can be especially hazardous. Ice and snow can make even the simplest routes dangerous."

At Malmstrom alone, Airmen drive six to nine million miles every year while performing day-to-day operations. On a daily basis, Strikers operating within Air Force Global Strike Command's missile fields drive enough miles to circle the earth two and a half times.

"While not everything can be prevented, having the opportunity to receive this training greatly helps reduce the risk of rollovers and accidents," said Senior Airman Jesse Sengsouk, 341st Security Forces Support Squadron trainer.

With the number of miles that Airmen throughout Air Force Global Strike Command travel on an annual basis, accidents will happen. Even still, every preventative measure is implemented to keep safety at the forefront.

"We try to give our students the realization of what can happen in the field," Berry said. "Things can happen quickly and you need to know how to react. It's almost like someone who picked a fight but had never been in one before. When he gets hit in the jaw, how is he going to react? If you're trained, you have that muscle memory and will instinctively know what to do. If not, you are going to lose big time. With this training, we hope people will learn how to react so when the time comes to put their knowledge to the test, they will come out the victor."

Knowledge is power. Safety is essential and security can only be provided when everyone is able to perform their duties without the fear of not knowing what to do when it counts the most.

"Reflect on the training you received when qualifying to operate a vehicle in your Air Force specialty and how you were taught to respond to the challenges you should expect to encounter during your day-today duties," said Lt. General Stephen Wilson, AFGSC commander. "In the same way, as a passenger or observer, consider the training you received to perform your role and how to respond throughout a procedure to ensure a mishap-free outcome.

"The safety of our mission and of our people is important to me," Wilson continued. "I am incredibly proud and impressed by your commitment to mission accomplishment every day. I ask you take a moment to ensure you are doing all you can to ensure you always accomplish that mission as safely as possible."